Box Score LINCOLN UNIVERSITY, Pa. – The Lincoln University women's basketball team used balanced scoring and stifling defense to easily defeat Cheyney University, 64-42, in the "Battle of the Firsts" at Manuel Rivero Hall Saturday afternoon.
 
Senior Cynthia Johnson (Baltimore, MD/Baltimore Polytechnic Institute) continued to sparkle this season for the Lady Lions by scoring a team-high 13 points and grabbing six rebounds. Johnson, who has led The Lincoln University in scoring four times this season, averaged 16 points in the Lady Lions' two games this week against Maryland-Eastern Shore and Cheyney.
 
In improving its season record to 4-2, The Lincoln University received scoring from 10 players. Freshman De'jah Taylor (Nanuet, NY/Paramus Catholic Regional) had nine points, seven rebounds and two blocked shots in 13 entertaining minutes. Junior Courtney Lucas (Washington, DC/Friendship Collegiate Academy) added seven points and a game-high 12 rebounds for the Lady Lions. Junior Zephrah Pam (Syracuse, NY/Monroe CC) finished with eight rebounds.
 
The Lincoln University did its best work in the opening 20 minutes to beat Cheyney for the second straight season and third time in four years. While Lincoln's offense was as chilly as the crisp fall air, the defense was on fire. The Lincoln University limited Cheyney to 11 points in the first half and forced 17 turnovers. The Lady Lions scored the first six points of the game and never looked back.
 
Cheyney didn't reach double digits in points until nearly 15 minutes had been played. That basket by Cheyney's Deja Hines cut the Lady Lions' lead to 20-11 with 5:04 remaining. Cheyney didn't score again in the first half. The Lincoln University reclaimed its double digit lead on the next possession when sophomore Alayasa Washington buried a 3-pointer to begin an 11-0 run that finished the first half. Lincoln held a 31-11 lead at intermission.
 
Lisa Saunders (Hampton, VA/Hampton HS) made a 3-pointer that gave the Lady Lions a 36-15 lead with 17:35 remaining. Lincoln's lead never dropped below 20 points for the remainder of the game.
 
Overall, The Lincoln University allowed Cheyney to make 12 baskets the entire game. The Wolves lived from the foul line by making 18 of 35 attempts. The Lady Wolves shot 27 percent for the game. The Lincoln University shot a frigid 31 percent from the field, but its defensive intensity made all the difference.
 
Kiana Jackson paced Cheyney with 10 points and eight rebounds.
 
The Lincoln University will return to the court Sunday afternoon when it hosts LeMoyne College in a 4:00 p.m. matinee.